“Thanks! See nothing to worry about Mia.” I took her hand to make sure she gets out of her seat. She grabbed the cup that was next to her on the desk with her free hand as I said. “Gentleman, you can just tell Mr. Cohen that Mia’s roommate’s granny busted a hip line dancing or bungee jumping or something.”
I watched as Mia’s cheeks flushed with a dark pink.
“You knew?”
“Of course, I knew.” I said with a prideful grin.
I escorted her through the underground parking lot and opened the passenger door of my Toyota Landcruiser.
“This, is your car?” she asked incredulous.
“You were expecting something else?” After unlocking the vehicle, I held the passenger door open for her.
“Yes. A big pretentious, bright yellow hummer perhaps?”
“Are you disappointed?”
“No. Only surprised.” Her brow knitted with concern. “I didn’t think we were going off site. If Trent checks on me…”
“Here we go again with this.” I have to work to keep the snark out of my voice. “What makes you think he holds any weight with me?”
“I don’t know what weight he holds with you, but he’s still my boss.”
“I’m your boss.”
“You hate me.”
“I don’t hate you.”
“You’ve said it, you’d rather have my best friend as an assistant.” She reminded me of the rude words I spoke before.
I’m disgusted with my actions towards her.
“That’s not exactly accurate.” I held open the passenger door for her.
“Trent hired me.” Her voice quaked. “He can fire me.”
“Mia…”
“Honestly, Trak the only reason I even still have a job is because of Trent. If you recall, you sent me packing over perfume.”
“MIA!”
“WHAT?!”
“Would you just get in the vehicle?” Making my eyes gentle, I added. “Please.”
Surprise flashed over her face before she huffed at me. But she sat her cute ass on the passenger seat anyway.
As we took off through Manhattan, and I finally had her alone next to me, I felt myself loosen up.
Furious, she stared out the window. “What was I thinking, getting into this car with you?”
“God, you’re gorgeous when you’re angry.”
I meant it, but of course the comment only infuriated her more, inciting vehement wrath.
“What the… WHAT?!” she shouted. “Pull over and let me out of this car right now Trak!”
Her eyes we’re positively on fire. I could do this all day. I maneuvered the vehicle to the side of the road.
“But I haven’t shown you the something yet.”
“I can only imagine what that something is.” She quips.
“Mia, I don’t want to be enemies.”
“You drew those lines, Trak. From the moment we met, first when you stole my taxi, then when you treated me so appallingly at my interview. At the office. On sites. Shall I go on?”
“I did all of that. Could you… would you… give me a second chance?”
“What makes you think you deserve one. You’re hardly even a friend.”
“Mia…”
“You can’t even say it!” She was so hurt. All because of my behavior. I wished I could make her understand.
“I’m sorry. I was completely wrong to have ever treated you that way. I have been a first-rate ass. Please forgive me.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. Leaning towards her, I gently cradled the back of her head in my hand. Her chestnut hair was like silk against my palm and fingers.
Risking her right hook—or the probability of her clawing her nails across my face—I brought her soft, pink lips closer.
Her gaze lifted to mine, her dark, thick lashes framing her ocean blue eyes. The storm in them still raging.
“Please.” My voice was all but a whisper as I pressed my lips against hers.
Her mouth tasted of the chai tea she had been sipping, cinnamon spice and clove. My eyes fell closed as I leaned into her.
Mia stiffened, but only for a moment, before she melted into the embrace.
Her sweet lips were soft and warm. The kiss was tentative at first like we
were testing each other.
Tasting each other.
And Mia tasted like perfection.
